Montréal, Canada — Just For Laughs, renowned for its annual comedy festival, has unveiled the winners of its inaugural Shorts & Pilots Program following its flagship event in 2025. This initiative aims to highlight emerging talent in the world of comedic storytelling through short films and pilot episodes.
In the Shorts category, the Grand Jury Prize was awarded to Better People, a project helmed by director Rory Kramer and penned by Jessica Uhler. The Audience Award in this category went to This Blows, featuring a script by Molly Clark and direction by Talia Smith. Both works engage audiences with their unique take on humor and storytelling.
Turning to the Pilots section, the Grand Jury Prize was claimed by Bulldozer, a collaborative effort starring and written by Joanna Leeds, with Andrew Leeds directing. The Audience Award in this category was presented to The Take, crafted by Joanna Bradley and Glenn Boozan, showcasing the struggles of a beleaguered producer trying to keep her show alive amidst industry challenges.
Sylvain Parent-Bédard, the President and CEO of Just For Laughs, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, noting its role in fostering new comedic talent. "We’re thrilled to highlight these emerging voices and support the start of incredible careers in comedy. This is merely the beginning," he stated.
Spencer Griffin, Executive Producer and Head of Development for Just For Laughs, emphasized the festival’s commitment to discovery and development. "This program extends our mission beyond the stage, allowing us to showcase remarkable independent works and collaborate with original artists," he remarked.
Winners of the Grand Jury Prizes will not only benefit from industry recognition but also gain access to development opportunities with Just For Laughs. Those awarding the prizes included experts from various corners of the entertainment industry, all dedicated to nurturing new comedic voices. Judges for the Pilots Program featured professionals like Kate Chamuris and Phil Augusta Jackson, while the Shorts Program panel included Leah Bleich and Kimberly Gatewood.
Submissions for the next iteration of the program will open in early 2026, inviting even more creative minds to participate.
The selected shorts present a variety of comedic scenarios. Better People tells the story of a woman caught in a series of unfortunate events at a drive-through coffee shop, while This Blows humorously captures an 11-year-old’s misinterpretation of a colloquial term at a birthday party.
On the pilot side, Bulldozer explores darker themes of infidelity through a woman’s impulsive actions, while The Take highlights the pressures faced by a producer whose show is on the brink of cancellation.
With participants showcasing a diverse array of comedic viewpoints, Just For Laughs appears committed to ensuring that fresh, innovative voices are heard loud and clear in the industry.
This article was automatically written by Open AI, and the people, facts, circumstances, and story may be inaccurate. Any article can be requested for removal, retraction, or correction by writing an email to contact@publiclawlibrary.org.